Chord Construction & Chord Formula list

MAJOR CHORDS
The formula for major chords is 1 3 5. That means if we want to know how to make the chord of C
major, we would take the 1st, 3rd & 5th notes of the C major scale. Similarly, if we wanted to build
the chord of G major, we would use the 1st, 3rd & 5th notes of the G major scale.

Let's take a closer look at both the scale and chord of C major.
The scale of C major consists of the notes: C D E F G A B C
So applying our 'major chord' formula (1, 3 & 5) to that scale, we get the notes C, E & G.
Play them all at the same time (or even one after the other) and we have the chord of C major. We
can duplicate any of the notes to make the chord fuller sounding. For example, we can have C E G E
G C, or any other arrangement that our instrument allows.
We can play the notes in any order, but usually we want the lowest pitched note (the bass note) to be
the root. If the root is the lowest note, we say the chord is in ROOT POSITION. If any other note is
the lowest sounding note, we say the chord is inverted. Chords in root position tend to sound more
stable and balanced than when they are inverted. Inverted chords have a more subtle, less definite
harmonic effect. Both types (root and inverted) have their place in music.
It also depends on whether another instrument is playing a bass note that is lower than the bass
note of the chord. For example, if a guitarist plays the chord C major with E as the lowest note, the
chord is said to be in first inversion. However, if at the same time a bass guitarist is playing the root
note (lower than the the E played by the guitarist), the chord will again sound stable because the
overall sound of the chord (bass plus guitar) to any listener will be in root position.
MINOR CHORDS
The formula for minor chords is 1 b3 (flat 3) 5. It's similar to the major chord except that the middle
note has been lowered. In other words the distance (or interval) between the root and the 3rd is
smaller than in the major chord. That interval is called a minor 3rd and that's why the chord is called
MINOR.
To get that b3rd note in order to make the chord of C minor we take the 3rd note of the C major

scale and lower it (keeping the same letter name). So instead of C E & G, that the major chord
formula gave us, we get C Eb (E flat) & G.
MAJOR 7th CHORDS
The formula for major 7th chords is 1 3 5 7. In other words, it's a major chord with the 7th note of
the scale added. So the chord of C major 7th consists of the notes: C E G & B. Note that the word
major in this type of chord isn't referring to the fact that this is a major type chord but is referring to
the chord's 7th being a major 7th interval above the root This distinguishes it from the 7th chord
below, which uses a flat 7th - the 7th note being a minor 7th above the root.
7th CHORDS
The formula for 7th chords (also called dominant 7ths) is 1 3 5 b7.
Applying this formula to the C major scale, gives us the chord C7, consisting of notes C E G & Bb.
Note* Be careful using the term 'dominant 7th' as it has another, more official, meaning, which is
'the 7th chord built on the 5th (dominant) note of major or minor scales'. It's actually referring to a
chord function, but in modern times the term has been hijacked to name any chord with the formula
1-3-5-b7 regardless of key or scale.
MINOR 7th CHORDS
The formula for minor 7th chords is 1 b3 5 b7. So C minor 7th consists of the notes C Eb G & Bb. It's
a minor chord with a flat 7th added.